Vote 1 for the mighty Clarence

Clarence River Tourism is hoping for more success at this year’s NSW state tourism awards.

AFTER winning a silver medal at last year's NSW state tourism awards, Clarence River Tourism manager Jenny Massie hopes this year's nomination will also lead to a victory.

"Clarence River Tourism is delighted to announce the news that we are finalists in the NSW State Tourism Awards for 2013," she said.

"Having won silver last year, we hope to do well again this year."

A People's Choice category has also been included this year and Ms Massie hoped people would use a new web-based app to vote (until October 28).

"We are encouraging our visitors and locals to vote for the Clarence to help us take out this prestigious award," she said.

Clarence River Wilderness also made it in to the finals.

The finalists from 31 categories are from a range of tourism areas such as major tourist attractions, ecotourism, destination marketing, tourism education and training.

The awards celebrate tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and the program is supported by Destination NSW.

Andrew Jefferies, general manager of the Tourism Industry Council NSW, said the results reflected the high standard of tourism products on offer across the state.

"I'm confident that the quality of this year's finalists will go on to be reflected at the national level," he said.

"To see so many of our state's tourism operators grow and challenge themselves by entering the awards showcases the strength and resilience of our industry.

"Overall, this year's results have a common theme; it seems that operators now understand the role sustainability plays in their business. Entrants across the board have also shown they are more innovative in their services and have focused on what more they can provide their clientele."

The winners of the 24th NSW Tourism Awards will go through to compete for the state at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in February.

The judging process was conducted by a panel of highly experienced tourism professionals and checked and verified by Bell Partners, specialised auditors.

The award winners will be presented at a gala ceremony on Thursday, November 28, at Royal Randwick.